Francis Coquelin said he was a bit scared he’d damaged his knee significantly when he picked up his recent injury against Chelsea (Costa haha).
The midfielder suffered a similar problem last season, and missed almost three months, and he did fear the worst after making the initial challenge.
“When you make these kinds of tackles, and this happened before against West Brom, you are a bit scared,” he said. “It was a similar tackle to then.
“The good thing was that I could run back on to the pitch afterwards, even if I couldn’t stay on for long. The scan which followed was all positive so that was great news.
“It took me a few weeks to get back to full fitness, but now I feel good.”
The midfielder could come back into the starting XI against Ludogorets tonight, and despite the fact there’s such competition in that area of the pitch he says that’s a fact of life at a big club.
Asked if he was worried the arrival of Granit Xhaka might impact on his playing time, he said, “Let’s not forget we are Arsenal Football Club, and there’s always going to be great quality in the squad.
“You have to be ready for a fight. I think it’s good for me as well to improve my game and to give even more in training and in the game. It can only improve the whole squad.”
Can’t fault that attitude.
Kept thinking I’m just not compatible with Ramsey by my side….
And I spent so many loans thinking how I’m no Frimpong…
…and I grew strong, I’m more Xhaka than Alex Song…
And now. I’m. back. Got a starting place.
I just walked in to find Arsene here with that sad look upon his face.
I should have kept that glorious Coq, I should have never made you leave…
But then Granit got suspended and now I’m back in the first team
Go on Coq, go
Protect our back four
Don’t Look Back now
Cos your not on loan anymore
I’m gonna drop this down here and avoid interrupting the song, but excellent work to all involved.
It had so much potential until Newxieland disrupted the flow
Fixed 🙂
Haha nice work. This has surely going to be a Youtube sensation. Someone contact the ‘Sign Da Ting’ director.
This is why I love this blog and Gooners in general! Well played lads, well played.
I rate Xhaka highly but the security we get with Coq in the middle cannot be matched. I’d play Coq/Santi against tougher opponents/UCL games and Xhaka/Santi for the rest. However Santi’s 31 and the future is very much Xhaka & Coq / Ramsey & Elneny.
Nobody will be able to survive a pumelling from Granit-Coq
I’m so fearful that we may not be able to replace Santi’s creativity and ability to get out of very tight situations. I was hoping that in Wilshere we will have a replacement, but it is not quite looking so at the moment.
Fucking Beautiful Coq you displayed up there blog
Feels like half our team would run through a brick wall for the badge. Couldn’t always say that in the past… COYG
Probably better if they don’t try to do that
Will Griggs on fire, Le Coq is petrified!
Dear: Eduardo Stark. Summer wants your poorly executed sport bible meme back. Regards, October
1. don’t you know? summer’s dead, mauled by effin zombies.
2. it was wonderful chants of norn iron fans, screw sport bible.
apologies for any inconvenience caused, though 🙁
“Let’s not forget we are Arsenal Football Club…” – Makes me feel all soft and cuddly inside when I read quotes like that from players. Have an emoticon 🙂
Gotta love a bit of the Coq!
Well that’s me not sleeping tonight…..
What have you done with Le Coq on that pic! Hehehehe. I love this current arsenal team. It looks to me that the team is currently carryng very few undesirables. Good thing that.
On another note Blogs. Not sure why but it just hit me that since you went to the big apple to record the arsecast a few weeks ago you’d actually go to any other city in the world. Would you consider Nairobi next time you wanna go on holiday? I would love to arrange for your stay here. You would love the sun here.
+1
Interesting idea. I think arse’s big enough to do a global tour and not just club it with holidays now 😉
Let me know about India, when you do plan.
He could tour and have groupies, and there’ll be t-shirts showing tour dates on the back. I think you’re onto something.
By the way, that was Blogs thumbing you down. Everything was peachy before and after the groupie thought. You know, (whispers) Mrs. Blogs.
Blogs on a world tour? Fantastic Idea.
I’m from Islamabad, Pakistan and been reading this blog for the past 11 years now. And I can tell you that I’m not the only one here. Come through for the crew, blogs?
Several cities in Canada would welcome you for stops on a world tour, Blogs. But if can only visit one of them, Vancouver is the best one.
Why am I on moderation blogs? I never write anything vulgar. I also try to use proper English without shortened words!
It auto does that if certain key words trigger or for very long posts, it’s the plugin. Pay it no heed…
Hopefully the Jack and Chambers will follow Coq’s footstep and comes back stronger after their loan spells.
Our Coq is rigid enough
Shouldn’t we want him to optimize his rigidity? No “good enough” thinking here at Arsenal.
Notice I said optimize not maximize.
Feel a bit disappointed in all the fans calling for Xhaka to be future captain. I think someone like Le Coq – who has truly fought through shit and hellfire to make it as this club. I think Coquelin is similar to Koscielny in the sense people assumed they both didnt have the talent for elite football. Both were nurtured under Wenger and have turned their careers around. I can almost taste the passion of the Coq. Its tangible and its authentic. I personally cant wait to see him pkay against Ludogoretz tonight – his performances have matured so much… Read more »
Your last sentence sounds like a stadium chant, a lovely chant-“What a Coq we have”. Almost Church of England, it is.
What a Coq we have in Francis
Lordly Shielder of the Four
What a Coq we have in Francis
Lordly Shielder of the Four
Snarling terror of the midfield
Valiant protector of our Gunner smurfs.
I’d keep Granit on tonight,he’s going to be out for the next few games anyway so let the Coq have a few extra days to ensure he’s fully fit
That’s the only good Coq pic I’ve seen in my life.
See you’ve robbed the wank bank for that picture.
Over the years, I always wear my Arsenal Jersey to work in the morning on days we are playing. My colleagues used to always laugh and point fingers at me. Now, Proud gunner in red and white, nobody dares look me in the eye. We are on fire!!!! I love the arsenal!! Nigerian Gunner for life!!!
I do exactly the same, wearing my jersey to work on game days. I also have a very understanding and flexible boss who lets me take a two and a half hour lunch to go to the pub and watch the match.
Coquelin will be afraid and petrified when he sees that photoshop of him
Costa hahaha
Dunno if blogs was kidding but I am pretty sure he got the injury when he colluded with Kante
I know. I was just laughing at Costa.
HaHa
Can we get the song learned in time for full rendition this evening? That’s the big question now
If he keeps his game up or improves it, I think he could be a future captain of this great club.
Also great that he goes under the radar of the French manager.
We have so many games coming thick and fast that if you are patient your chance will come.